Ok, so people aren't really crying in the streets of Mexico that they've lost Torres to the U.S., but they don't seem happy about it, either. Here's an article I translated from espn.deportes
- it's a little vague on sources and light on quotes, but one definitely gets the sense that some people feel Eriksson really dropped the ball on this one.
By contrast, then, Bradley and Gulati would seem to get credit for doing the opposite.
Anyone who has followed closely the career trajectory of Jose Francisco Torres, a left-sided winger, can assure that he’s a player who has already demonstrated his quality with Pachuca.
It turns out that this promising player that could have been a part of Mexico's future has now declined the shirt of the national team that Sven Goran Eriksson leads, because simply, he grew tired of waiting and has decided to defend the colors of the Uunited Sttes.
Rejected going to Beijing with the U.S.
Francisco was born in Longview, Texas, and will turn 21 on the 29th of October. He is the son of a Mexican and an American.
We know that in the last few months he was waiting for a call from El Tri. He counted on being part of the team that confronted Chile (and lost 1-0) and was made up of a team based on younger players.
Since he was young he dreamed of playing with Mexico. He always believed he could do it. That’s why five years ago he got permission from his parents to come to Pachuca and play for the Tuzos (Gophers).
It’s also been only three months since Torres rejected a call from the U.S. to play for their national team when he was invited to the Olympic Games, even though he had not participated in the qualifying games.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Jesus Martinez, the president of Pachuca, convinced him not to go to Beijing, because he thought Javier Aguirre would be the new national team coach and would soon include Torres in his plans.
The coach of Pachuca, Enrique Meza, also tried to influence his decision, and he succeeded for a while. But the day that Torres didn’t see his name on the list of players for Chile, he decided to accept a second call from the U.S.
He said, “No thanks”
Many people, everyone, recognizes the qualities of Torres, except for el Tri. It was finally this week that the coaching staff convinced Eriksson that Torres should be picked, despite his small size.
On Thursday night, Torres was contacted by a member of the coaching staff of the national team (perhaps Guillermo Canto?) to answer if he would accept an an invitation from Eriksson, but his response, in perfect Spanish, was, “No, thanks”.
Similar Cases
Mexico has lost the opportunity to count on a great player, young, versatile, left-footed, who has a lot of potential ahead of him.
Something similar happened in the case of Michael Orozco, a Mexican defender born in Orange, California, who is 22 and plays with San Luis. If El Tri didn’t give him a chance with their younger national teams, they probably weren’t going to do so on the older squad. That’s why for some time he has played for the U.S. and played for them in the Olympic Games.
Edgar Castillo, who plays for Santos, was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico and will turn 22 this October. He also claims double nationality, but he had the fortune to be called in for youth teams and now is an important player on the senior squad.
Debut in qualifying
In Pachuca, Torres said that he made his decision aware of what he was doing and that it is what he wants to do.
His family supports him in everything. Torres spoke with both the national team coach of the U.S. (Bradley) and directors of their soccer federation (Gulati, I’ll wager).
“The truth is that I had to take advantage of this second opportunity. I’m very happy to represent the country of my birth, but I will always have great affection for mexico, “ said Torres, who hopes to have a place in the starting roster of the team that plays this upcoming week.
His debut is very close and will probably come in a qualifying match for the World Cup 2010. On the 11th of October, the U.S. will play Canada, and on the 15th, they will face Trinidad and Tobago.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Roster for Cuba
Here's how the US looks ahead of Cuba:
GK: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Troy Perkins
D: Carlos Bocanegra, Danny Califf, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyweu, Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce
M: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Danny Szetela, Jose Francisco Torres
F: Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan
Interesting choices all around. The task for this game, of course, is to win. Should the US win, they'll be through to the Hexagonal and the last two games in this phase won't mean much.
This allowed Bob Bradley to call on some players who might play a bigger role next year and possibly in 2010 as well.
Now, if the US doesn't beat Cuba and doesn't get through (a draw may be enough but I'm not certain) then the game in Trinidad will take on greater significance. But if the US does not need to beat Trinidad, I'm fairly certain Bradley will release the established players back to their clubs.
That will give Bradley an opportunity to look at guys like Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore more against Trinidad than against Cuba. Although I think both should start against Cuba, I don't think they will and I think they'll need for the US to be qualified until they get more playing time. I see Brian Ching and Clint Dempsey up top against Cuba.
Anyway, Michael Orozco and Jose Francisco Torres are each interesting choices. Torres, of course, finally chose his home country over the US and this will be his first time in camp. Orozco has been in a couple of these but has only gotten his feet wet - no caps yet.
Troy Perkins is another interesting choice. I never thought Perkins was national team caliber while with DC United but Perkins has obviously solidified his standing in Bradley's eyes and will get a shot at some playing time next year. Perkins is a younger option than Marcus Hahnemann and/or Kasey Keller, both of whom I think should only be used in emergency situations if ever. Remember, the US will play in the Confederations Cup next year as well. Throw in 10 qualifying games throughout the year as well as the inevitable friendlies here and abroad and there will plenty of need for goalkeepers. I highly doubt that Tim Howard and Brad Guzan will be the only goalkeepers Bradley will need next year, and Perkins seems in line to at least get some sort of playing time.
Charlie Davies and Danny Szetela also have the chance to get more looks than before. Davies has three caps while Szetela has two and both players could push Bradley's hand in terms of playing time. Davies probably has a better shot of playing but I believe Szetela is the better prospect.
If the US doesn't beat Cuba, maybe these players should get playing time anyway. After all, the established players should get the nod against the Cubans and if they can't beat them, then there may be something wrong with them, in which case some fresh blood may be the best option. Regardless, look for the likes of Adu, Szetela, Orozco and Torres to suit up against Trinidad & Tobago.
GK: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Troy Perkins
D: Carlos Bocanegra, Danny Califf, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyweu, Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce
M: Freddy Adu, DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, Danny Szetela, Jose Francisco Torres
F: Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan
Interesting choices all around. The task for this game, of course, is to win. Should the US win, they'll be through to the Hexagonal and the last two games in this phase won't mean much.
This allowed Bob Bradley to call on some players who might play a bigger role next year and possibly in 2010 as well.
Now, if the US doesn't beat Cuba and doesn't get through (a draw may be enough but I'm not certain) then the game in Trinidad will take on greater significance. But if the US does not need to beat Trinidad, I'm fairly certain Bradley will release the established players back to their clubs.
That will give Bradley an opportunity to look at guys like Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore more against Trinidad than against Cuba. Although I think both should start against Cuba, I don't think they will and I think they'll need for the US to be qualified until they get more playing time. I see Brian Ching and Clint Dempsey up top against Cuba.
Anyway, Michael Orozco and Jose Francisco Torres are each interesting choices. Torres, of course, finally chose his home country over the US and this will be his first time in camp. Orozco has been in a couple of these but has only gotten his feet wet - no caps yet.
Troy Perkins is another interesting choice. I never thought Perkins was national team caliber while with DC United but Perkins has obviously solidified his standing in Bradley's eyes and will get a shot at some playing time next year. Perkins is a younger option than Marcus Hahnemann and/or Kasey Keller, both of whom I think should only be used in emergency situations if ever. Remember, the US will play in the Confederations Cup next year as well. Throw in 10 qualifying games throughout the year as well as the inevitable friendlies here and abroad and there will plenty of need for goalkeepers. I highly doubt that Tim Howard and Brad Guzan will be the only goalkeepers Bradley will need next year, and Perkins seems in line to at least get some sort of playing time.
Charlie Davies and Danny Szetela also have the chance to get more looks than before. Davies has three caps while Szetela has two and both players could push Bradley's hand in terms of playing time. Davies probably has a better shot of playing but I believe Szetela is the better prospect.
If the US doesn't beat Cuba, maybe these players should get playing time anyway. After all, the established players should get the nod against the Cubans and if they can't beat them, then there may be something wrong with them, in which case some fresh blood may be the best option. Regardless, look for the likes of Adu, Szetela, Orozco and Torres to suit up against Trinidad & Tobago.
Torres coup
By now, you've probably heard that Jose Francisco Torres has decided to play with the US national team. Torres was among the 23 players called into camp by Bob Bradley ahead of the next pair of World Cup qualifiers. Actually, he'll be with the US for the match against Cuba on Oct. 11 and, my guess, he'll be part of the team that goes to Trinidad should the US take care of business at RFK.
Now, Torres is a talented player. You don't get significant playing time for a club like Pachuca without talent, after all. But this decision by Torres is really a coup in more ways than one.
Sure, Torres' presence on the left side gives the US another option, a young option who could develop into a talented first-choice player in the near future. Pachuca, after all, has produced several quality players in recent history and Torres stands to be another in the increasingly long list of national team caliber players that come from Tuzo-land.
But more important than his potential is his background. Although born and bred in Texas, Torres could have chosen to bide his time and wait to play for Mexico. Just a week ago, I was among a small group talking to FMF honcho Guillermo Cantu about this very subject. When asked about the potential for players like Torres to follow in the footsteps of Edgar Castillo, who chose Mexico over his birth nation, Cantu had a very valid point. He said Mexicans were very proud, and the allure of Mexico was strong even for Mexicans born here.
I can attest to that a bit. I've lived twice in my life in Mexico, when I was 18 and then when I was almost 30. And I hope in the future to be able to retire there or spend a lot of time there... well, either there or somewhere in the Caribbean, but that's neither here nor there...
Regardless, Torres could have spurned Bradley again and stayed with his club team and nobody would have thought any worse than they had before. Well, perhaps the US might have felt a bit turned back by it but he wouldn't be the first player to spurn the US lately, would he?
If that would have happened, Michael Orozco would have looked like a fluke. Orozco, of course, chose the US over Mexico when he agreed to play for the US Under-23 national team, which led to a spot in the Olympics and then call-ups to the senior national team as well. That would have looked like a case of a player not good enough to play for the team with more depth and instead going to the US simply because it was either that or nothing.
Instead, it looks like the allure Cantu talked about only went so far in this case. Perhaps Orozco and Torres felt their chances were better off professionally in another country, whose soccer is far more developed than it is here in the United States. But when it came down to it, it looks as if wanting to represent their birth country and defending their colors was also important, if not the aspect that sealed the deal.
There's hope. For the US, there is hope that someday, possibly sooner than many had anticipated, the US national team can tap into the vast wealth of talent that is the Mexican-American well.
Who knows how many players out there are as good as or better than Torres, Orozco or Castillo? But they're out there, playing with friends after school, trying their fate with a club team perhaps, maybe playing AYSO. They're 12, 13, 14 years old, possibly younger, hoping to make it as a pro one day.
And now when they look at their birth nation, the United States, and its national team, they will see some familiar names, names that they can relate to. And perhaps then Torres and Orozco will become some sort of role model, trailblazers if you will, and show that the allure to stay home is also a strong one too.
Now, Torres is a talented player. You don't get significant playing time for a club like Pachuca without talent, after all. But this decision by Torres is really a coup in more ways than one.
Sure, Torres' presence on the left side gives the US another option, a young option who could develop into a talented first-choice player in the near future. Pachuca, after all, has produced several quality players in recent history and Torres stands to be another in the increasingly long list of national team caliber players that come from Tuzo-land.
But more important than his potential is his background. Although born and bred in Texas, Torres could have chosen to bide his time and wait to play for Mexico. Just a week ago, I was among a small group talking to FMF honcho Guillermo Cantu about this very subject. When asked about the potential for players like Torres to follow in the footsteps of Edgar Castillo, who chose Mexico over his birth nation, Cantu had a very valid point. He said Mexicans were very proud, and the allure of Mexico was strong even for Mexicans born here.
I can attest to that a bit. I've lived twice in my life in Mexico, when I was 18 and then when I was almost 30. And I hope in the future to be able to retire there or spend a lot of time there... well, either there or somewhere in the Caribbean, but that's neither here nor there...
Regardless, Torres could have spurned Bradley again and stayed with his club team and nobody would have thought any worse than they had before. Well, perhaps the US might have felt a bit turned back by it but he wouldn't be the first player to spurn the US lately, would he?
If that would have happened, Michael Orozco would have looked like a fluke. Orozco, of course, chose the US over Mexico when he agreed to play for the US Under-23 national team, which led to a spot in the Olympics and then call-ups to the senior national team as well. That would have looked like a case of a player not good enough to play for the team with more depth and instead going to the US simply because it was either that or nothing.
Instead, it looks like the allure Cantu talked about only went so far in this case. Perhaps Orozco and Torres felt their chances were better off professionally in another country, whose soccer is far more developed than it is here in the United States. But when it came down to it, it looks as if wanting to represent their birth country and defending their colors was also important, if not the aspect that sealed the deal.
There's hope. For the US, there is hope that someday, possibly sooner than many had anticipated, the US national team can tap into the vast wealth of talent that is the Mexican-American well.
Who knows how many players out there are as good as or better than Torres, Orozco or Castillo? But they're out there, playing with friends after school, trying their fate with a club team perhaps, maybe playing AYSO. They're 12, 13, 14 years old, possibly younger, hoping to make it as a pro one day.
And now when they look at their birth nation, the United States, and its national team, they will see some familiar names, names that they can relate to. And perhaps then Torres and Orozco will become some sort of role model, trailblazers if you will, and show that the allure to stay home is also a strong one too.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Huh
Somehow, I didn't think an article about soccer and Princeton alumni could mention Bradley, but not Bob Bradley.
After all, Bob Bradley has to be their most famous soccer-related alum, no? Ok, maybe Jesse Marsch or Grant Wahl are up there as well, but it's a pretty big deal to be the head coach of the national team.
After all, Bob Bradley has to be their most famous soccer-related alum, no? Ok, maybe Jesse Marsch or Grant Wahl are up there as well, but it's a pretty big deal to be the head coach of the national team.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
DC depleted
When DC United was in town, I was chatting with one of their associates about their recent losses. They weren't in full panic mode yet, but the signs weren't looking good. We talked about how the end of the season could wear teams down, especially if they had to play extra games.
I shared my theory that it was unfair for MLS teams to be involved in international competition like the CONCACAF Champions League without some sort of assistance to handle the extra burden. I don't advocate raising the salary cap for teams, but I do think that there should be expanded rosters exclusive for those competitions, outside of the MLS cap. Five or even three supplemental players could make a big difference. There could be a set cap for those temporary additions. Teams in Mexico allow for roster expansion for Copa Libertadores participation. It just makes practical sense.
It's almost disrespectful to compete in tournaments with so many top players held back. It's completely understandable, given that DC is now struggling to make the playoffs. Yet that's not really competing in a tournament any more, it's merely showing up as a shadow of a true team.
Anyway, the conversation wound up with some speculation as to why MLS administration hasn't acted to bolster the teams that represent the league internationally in any way. They're just expected to take on the extra work and effort with no help.
On the other hand, I do see the value in giving young players real games that are against a high level of competition. DC's youth actually represented quite well against Cruz Azul.
I shared my theory that it was unfair for MLS teams to be involved in international competition like the CONCACAF Champions League without some sort of assistance to handle the extra burden. I don't advocate raising the salary cap for teams, but I do think that there should be expanded rosters exclusive for those competitions, outside of the MLS cap. Five or even three supplemental players could make a big difference. There could be a set cap for those temporary additions. Teams in Mexico allow for roster expansion for Copa Libertadores participation. It just makes practical sense.
It's almost disrespectful to compete in tournaments with so many top players held back. It's completely understandable, given that DC is now struggling to make the playoffs. Yet that's not really competing in a tournament any more, it's merely showing up as a shadow of a true team.
Anyway, the conversation wound up with some speculation as to why MLS administration hasn't acted to bolster the teams that represent the league internationally in any way. They're just expected to take on the extra work and effort with no help.
On the other hand, I do see the value in giving young players real games that are against a high level of competition. DC's youth actually represented quite well against Cruz Azul.
Viva the Spanglish!
Dom Kinnear does what many do when straining for a word or two in another language - he opts out and fills in with the words of the one he's more comfortable.
Still, it's a pretty valiant effort, akin to the one the Dynamo produced in Mexico.
Still, it's a pretty valiant effort, akin to the one the Dynamo produced in Mexico.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Email on LD
I don't think my article on Landon was advocating a move to Bayern Munich, but I can see where some have taken it that way.
Here's what one reader had to say:
With all due respect I don't think Landon Donovan would even make the Bayern Munich matchday party more than 12 or 15 times in a season. They simply have too much talent going forward already in their squad (Podolski, Klose, Toni in attack not to mention Bastian Schweinsteiger and Franck Ribéry pulling strings in the final third) for Donovan to be anything more than a bit-part squad member. At this stage of his career he should be looking to play week-in and week-out. 19 goals in the American league is to the minds of 95% of the football world the equivalent of maybe 5 or 6 in England, Italy or Spain - in fact he could get 50 goals and prove very little - to be considered one of the best players in the world you are required to test yourself against the best defenders and defensive units on a regular basis - only three leagues in the world genuinely offer him this opportunity and their would certainly be interest, but he needs to take a reality check on his options. He should realise that taking a lower third Premiership or Liga or Serie A side to mid-table safety offers far more scope for the growth of his brand, development and even global respect quotient than warming the bench (or stands) of a European superpower like Bayern.
Here's what one reader had to say:
With all due respect I don't think Landon Donovan would even make the Bayern Munich matchday party more than 12 or 15 times in a season. They simply have too much talent going forward already in their squad (Podolski, Klose, Toni in attack not to mention Bastian Schweinsteiger and Franck Ribéry pulling strings in the final third) for Donovan to be anything more than a bit-part squad member. At this stage of his career he should be looking to play week-in and week-out. 19 goals in the American league is to the minds of 95% of the football world the equivalent of maybe 5 or 6 in England, Italy or Spain - in fact he could get 50 goals and prove very little - to be considered one of the best players in the world you are required to test yourself against the best defenders and defensive units on a regular basis - only three leagues in the world genuinely offer him this opportunity and their would certainly be interest, but he needs to take a reality check on his options. He should realise that taking a lower third Premiership or Liga or Serie A side to mid-table safety offers far more scope for the growth of his brand, development and even global respect quotient than warming the bench (or stands) of a European superpower like Bayern.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Chicago/Galaxy running blog
Last year, Chicago destroyed LA's playoff hopes in the final game of the year. This year, they could pretty much kill the Galaxy off - a little earlier this time around.
LD talks about doing "internal work". Sounds like colonics or something. LD gives a nod to Hispanic Heritage month, saying those were his soccer teammates when he was growing up. Foudy points out that the Galaxy will lose players in an upcoming game for international duty.
LD also does a bumper blurb in Spanish. "Arriba Galaxy" he says. He won't be hearing much of that tonight, frankly.
Galaxy - Wicks, Jazic, Franklin, Roberts, Klein, Becks, Vanney, Lewis, Donovan, Gordon, Buddle
Fire - Busch, Segares, Conde, Soumare, Prideaux, Rolfe, Pause, Mapp, Thorington, Blanco, McBride
Foudy thinks Blanco is going to have to step up to turn the Fire around. Stone points out that McBride doesn't really seem to have helped the Fire much since he joined them.
Kickoff!
1- Nice crowd. Not a big surprise, but still nice to see.
2 - Klein takes ball away from Mapp.
3 - Fire throw. Blanco seems really on tonight. Franklin fouls and give up a free kick to the Fire.
4 - Blanco takes it - hits it right to Wicks. Not Blanco's usual cannon shot.
7 - Blanco lays ball off, Mapp takes a shot. Way over.
8 - Gordon fouls Pause in midfield.
9 - Wicks saves a Rolfe shot!
10 - Chicago corner - Soumare header - Jazic clears off the line!
12 - Becks with a good volley pass, but Busch beats Buddle to the ball.
13 - GOAL! Rolfe! He got the ball poked away from him twice, but he got it back both times and sneaks the ball in far post. He shot through Troy Roberts' legs, and that seemed to throw Wicks off. 1-0 Fire.
26 - Corner for LA - Becks takes it. Galaxy get a throw out of it.
27 - It gets served into the box, but the header is way wide. Goal kick.
30 - Gordon with a low shot, but not fast enough to threaten Busch.
32 - Yikes. Harkes just said, "Beckerman" No.
34 - The crowd is building up momentum with Spanish chants.
35 - GOAL! Lewis! LD to Klein, whose low cross reaches the box, where Lewis gets a foot in front of Rolfe to poke the ball towards goal. 1-1
36 - Becks is grimacing like crazy. I think his ankle is hurt again. the announcers ignore it.
SAVE! Wicks. Blanco served the ball in, but Wicks made the save.
37 - Corner kick ends up with a shot over the bar by the Fire.
40 - Beckham to Buddle - who shoots just wide.
44 - Wicks punches a ball out, Thorrington serves it back in. Blanco is down after colliding with Wicks. He barreled right into him.
Blanco heads toward the sideline.
45 + He's back now - just got called for offside.
Halftime - the Galaxy fought back after the Fire went up early. It really depends who has the legs in the second half for the win, I think.
I can't believe Mauricio Cienfuegos isn't on ESPN's influential Hispanic players poll.
50 - Chicago is coming in hard and the Galaxy are scrambling to hold them off.
51 - Either LA will surprise the Fire on a counter or the Fire will get the goal they are pressing for right now.
52 - Wicks catches a tipped ball from Troy Roberts. Becks gets booed as he sets up for a corner. Over the bar. The Galaxy get another corner. It pops out and Becks serves it back in - Gordon heads wide.
54 - Harkes gushes over what Bruce Arena has brought to the Galaxy. Are we looking at the same team?
57 - GOAL! Blanco! On the counter on an outlet pass - Wicks mistimed coming out, collided with Roberts and couldn't get the ball. The home fans go crazy. 2-1 Fire.
59 - GOAL! Rolfe! A pass snuck through to Rolfe - though it looked offside to me, but the linesman keeps the flag down. Wicks gets a hand to it, but that doesn't stop the ball and it continues into the goal. 3-1 Fire.
63 - Even though the Fire were pushing hard for a goal, they actually scored on counter chance, not the the pressing opportunities.
66 - LA FK - right to the hands of Busch.
69 - Donovan missed a scoring chance near post. Nice feed from Klein.
71 - Another chance wasted - Lewis pass - LD tried to volley it but his touch was off.
78 - Even Harkes mentions Cien as influential - why isn't he on the poll, Harkey?
80 - Corner for LA. Various player have a chance at it, but a whistle blows - handball on Roberts.
86 - Jordan creates a corner kick chance. Becks takes it and Franklin gets a header on it. It's not a good one, though, and the ball goes wide.
Final whistle
Well, this was always going to be a tough game to win, but now the Galaxy are looking at having to win out to try to make the playoffs. That's nearly impossible, especially with all their internationals missing for another game.
LD talks about doing "internal work". Sounds like colonics or something. LD gives a nod to Hispanic Heritage month, saying those were his soccer teammates when he was growing up. Foudy points out that the Galaxy will lose players in an upcoming game for international duty.
LD also does a bumper blurb in Spanish. "Arriba Galaxy" he says. He won't be hearing much of that tonight, frankly.
Galaxy - Wicks, Jazic, Franklin, Roberts, Klein, Becks, Vanney, Lewis, Donovan, Gordon, Buddle
Fire - Busch, Segares, Conde, Soumare, Prideaux, Rolfe, Pause, Mapp, Thorington, Blanco, McBride
Foudy thinks Blanco is going to have to step up to turn the Fire around. Stone points out that McBride doesn't really seem to have helped the Fire much since he joined them.
Kickoff!
1- Nice crowd. Not a big surprise, but still nice to see.
2 - Klein takes ball away from Mapp.
3 - Fire throw. Blanco seems really on tonight. Franklin fouls and give up a free kick to the Fire.
4 - Blanco takes it - hits it right to Wicks. Not Blanco's usual cannon shot.
7 - Blanco lays ball off, Mapp takes a shot. Way over.
8 - Gordon fouls Pause in midfield.
9 - Wicks saves a Rolfe shot!
10 - Chicago corner - Soumare header - Jazic clears off the line!
12 - Becks with a good volley pass, but Busch beats Buddle to the ball.
13 - GOAL! Rolfe! He got the ball poked away from him twice, but he got it back both times and sneaks the ball in far post. He shot through Troy Roberts' legs, and that seemed to throw Wicks off. 1-0 Fire.
26 - Corner for LA - Becks takes it. Galaxy get a throw out of it.
27 - It gets served into the box, but the header is way wide. Goal kick.
30 - Gordon with a low shot, but not fast enough to threaten Busch.
32 - Yikes. Harkes just said, "Beckerman" No.
34 - The crowd is building up momentum with Spanish chants.
35 - GOAL! Lewis! LD to Klein, whose low cross reaches the box, where Lewis gets a foot in front of Rolfe to poke the ball towards goal. 1-1
36 - Becks is grimacing like crazy. I think his ankle is hurt again. the announcers ignore it.
SAVE! Wicks. Blanco served the ball in, but Wicks made the save.
37 - Corner kick ends up with a shot over the bar by the Fire.
40 - Beckham to Buddle - who shoots just wide.
44 - Wicks punches a ball out, Thorrington serves it back in. Blanco is down after colliding with Wicks. He barreled right into him.
Blanco heads toward the sideline.
45 + He's back now - just got called for offside.
Halftime - the Galaxy fought back after the Fire went up early. It really depends who has the legs in the second half for the win, I think.
I can't believe Mauricio Cienfuegos isn't on ESPN's influential Hispanic players poll.
50 - Chicago is coming in hard and the Galaxy are scrambling to hold them off.
51 - Either LA will surprise the Fire on a counter or the Fire will get the goal they are pressing for right now.
52 - Wicks catches a tipped ball from Troy Roberts. Becks gets booed as he sets up for a corner. Over the bar. The Galaxy get another corner. It pops out and Becks serves it back in - Gordon heads wide.
54 - Harkes gushes over what Bruce Arena has brought to the Galaxy. Are we looking at the same team?
57 - GOAL! Blanco! On the counter on an outlet pass - Wicks mistimed coming out, collided with Roberts and couldn't get the ball. The home fans go crazy. 2-1 Fire.
59 - GOAL! Rolfe! A pass snuck through to Rolfe - though it looked offside to me, but the linesman keeps the flag down. Wicks gets a hand to it, but that doesn't stop the ball and it continues into the goal. 3-1 Fire.
63 - Even though the Fire were pushing hard for a goal, they actually scored on counter chance, not the the pressing opportunities.
66 - LA FK - right to the hands of Busch.
69 - Donovan missed a scoring chance near post. Nice feed from Klein.
71 - Another chance wasted - Lewis pass - LD tried to volley it but his touch was off.
78 - Even Harkes mentions Cien as influential - why isn't he on the poll, Harkey?
80 - Corner for LA. Various player have a chance at it, but a whistle blows - handball on Roberts.
86 - Jordan creates a corner kick chance. Becks takes it and Franklin gets a header on it. It's not a good one, though, and the ball goes wide.
Final whistle
Well, this was always going to be a tough game to win, but now the Galaxy are looking at having to win out to try to make the playoffs. That's nearly impossible, especially with all their internationals missing for another game.
Oh yeah, the result
So Mexico did lose on Wednesday after all as I mentioned briefly in my previous post.
Now, before people start to call for Sven Goran Eriksson's head, let me remind them of one minor detail: it's a meaningless friendly he lost.
Meaningless in terms of result and impact of the loss. Mexico is 3-0-0 in World Cup qualifying so far. The game probably shouldn't have been played since no European players were available and neither were players from six Mexican teams, yes SIX including a couple of important teams in Chivas and Santos (in terms of players they provide the national team).
Eriksson will continue to prepare the squad for World Cup qualifying and I think before people start to get upset with or lose confidence in Eriksson, let's wait until he plays some qualifying games on the road. That's not exactly a great deal of adversity but it will be the first potential bit of adversity he faces when Mexico plays at Canada and at Jamaica. He'll have his full team then and will be playing in games that matter, not a meaningless friendly.
A loss or two and then it might be open season. But to lose to Chile with what some people called a C team - on an own goal at that - ... who cares? I just don't see how that would reflect bad on Eriksson.
Now, before people start to call for Sven Goran Eriksson's head, let me remind them of one minor detail: it's a meaningless friendly he lost.
Meaningless in terms of result and impact of the loss. Mexico is 3-0-0 in World Cup qualifying so far. The game probably shouldn't have been played since no European players were available and neither were players from six Mexican teams, yes SIX including a couple of important teams in Chivas and Santos (in terms of players they provide the national team).
Eriksson will continue to prepare the squad for World Cup qualifying and I think before people start to get upset with or lose confidence in Eriksson, let's wait until he plays some qualifying games on the road. That's not exactly a great deal of adversity but it will be the first potential bit of adversity he faces when Mexico plays at Canada and at Jamaica. He'll have his full team then and will be playing in games that matter, not a meaningless friendly.
A loss or two and then it might be open season. But to lose to Chile with what some people called a C team - on an own goal at that - ... who cares? I just don't see how that would reflect bad on Eriksson.
Next time, try HDC
Mexico lost to Chile 1-0 at the LA Coliseum on Wednesday night. The crowd count was 32,924.
Now, the Coliseum is great for big games. A full-strength Mexico squad against a name opponent could draw upwards of 50,000 or more, even on a Wednesday night. But when Mexico brings a team that isn't loaded with stars, or as was the case this week a team that has basically one star and a handful of recognizable players, the Coliseum makes no sense.
That's when it is time to play at Home Depot Center.
I suppose the only drawback would be the college. If Cal State Dominguez Hills caps the attendance at whatever, then all bets are off. Otherwise, it makes much more sense to play a friendly like this at HDC than it does at the Coliseum. There's not a whole lot of difference between 32,924 and 27,000. It's not like 27,000 versus 57,000.
Sure, you lose a little in terms of attendance but you gain a lot. First of all, it's a soccer specific stadium... unless it's being used for X Games or concerts or high school football or tv shows or whatever. Still, the field is in decent shape right now, probably better than at the Coliseum where poor field conditions are typically a concern and complaint.
The traffic around the Coliseum is generally bad and when you play a game in there it gets horrendous. Traffic around HDC, even before and after big games, is manageable.
And of course had the game been played there yesterday it would have sold out. I think you could probably say that Mexico would sell out any game it played at HDC. A packed 27,000 would make a far better atmosphere than a big stadium with lots of empty seats. The Coliseum seats more than 90,000 so there were more than 50,000 empty seats on Wednesday. That's a lot of wasted space.
I guess in the end I like HDC quite a bit and think it should be used for soccer events whenever it makes sense. Gold Cup games at HDC make sense. Midweek friendlies make sense to some degree (Mexico-Argentina would be better off at the Coliseum, for instance). But playing second- or third-rate friendlies in a big stadium, well, that doesnt make a whole lot of sense.
Now, the Coliseum is great for big games. A full-strength Mexico squad against a name opponent could draw upwards of 50,000 or more, even on a Wednesday night. But when Mexico brings a team that isn't loaded with stars, or as was the case this week a team that has basically one star and a handful of recognizable players, the Coliseum makes no sense.
That's when it is time to play at Home Depot Center.
I suppose the only drawback would be the college. If Cal State Dominguez Hills caps the attendance at whatever, then all bets are off. Otherwise, it makes much more sense to play a friendly like this at HDC than it does at the Coliseum. There's not a whole lot of difference between 32,924 and 27,000. It's not like 27,000 versus 57,000.
Sure, you lose a little in terms of attendance but you gain a lot. First of all, it's a soccer specific stadium... unless it's being used for X Games or concerts or high school football or tv shows or whatever. Still, the field is in decent shape right now, probably better than at the Coliseum where poor field conditions are typically a concern and complaint.
The traffic around the Coliseum is generally bad and when you play a game in there it gets horrendous. Traffic around HDC, even before and after big games, is manageable.
And of course had the game been played there yesterday it would have sold out. I think you could probably say that Mexico would sell out any game it played at HDC. A packed 27,000 would make a far better atmosphere than a big stadium with lots of empty seats. The Coliseum seats more than 90,000 so there were more than 50,000 empty seats on Wednesday. That's a lot of wasted space.
I guess in the end I like HDC quite a bit and think it should be used for soccer events whenever it makes sense. Gold Cup games at HDC make sense. Midweek friendlies make sense to some degree (Mexico-Argentina would be better off at the Coliseum, for instance). But playing second- or third-rate friendlies in a big stadium, well, that doesnt make a whole lot of sense.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Marta, Marta, Marta
Marta the magician is coming to Los Angeles.
It makes simple sense to me. Brazilians like LA. A bunch of them live near Venice Beach, well, pretty much any of the beach communities have a Brazilian cafe, club or restaurant where they like to congregate.
There's so many of them around, that it might be hard for Marta to learn English - she won't need to use it in her off hours if she lives in one of the communities where a lot of them gather. One Brazilian player told me once that in LA, he speaks more Spanish than English.
Marta speaks Swedish from her years of playing there, but I'm not sure she'll get to practice that as much.
It makes simple sense to me. Brazilians like LA. A bunch of them live near Venice Beach, well, pretty much any of the beach communities have a Brazilian cafe, club or restaurant where they like to congregate.
There's so many of them around, that it might be hard for Marta to learn English - she won't need to use it in her off hours if she lives in one of the communities where a lot of them gather. One Brazilian player told me once that in LA, he speaks more Spanish than English.
Marta speaks Swedish from her years of playing there, but I'm not sure she'll get to practice that as much.
Vote is in
The LB/Sideline View Readers vote for the 2008 Honda Player of the Year is in. I just sent my vote over, about 11 hours before the polls close.
If our readers' opinions are any indications, a certain English-based player will win in a landslide.
There were 26 first-place votes submitted - 18 of them were for Tim Howard. The only other player to garner more than one first-place vote was Michael Bradley, who nabbed two. The following players each got one vote (though the last one was probably trying to bust some balls): Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu, Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson (see, I told you).
To figure out our second place vote, I used the same system Futbol de Primera uses to determine their winner - three points for a first-place vote, two for second and one for third.
Second place was Michael Bradley with 21 points. Third place was Oguchi Onyewu with 19 points followed by Carlos Bocanegra (11), Landon Donovan (9), Freddy Adu (8) and Clint Dempsey (5). Others receiving votes were Steve Cherundolo and (more gag votes probably) Danny Califf and Josh Wolff.
Thanks again for participating! The award will be handed out sometime next month and I'll be there for the festivities.
If our readers' opinions are any indications, a certain English-based player will win in a landslide.
There were 26 first-place votes submitted - 18 of them were for Tim Howard. The only other player to garner more than one first-place vote was Michael Bradley, who nabbed two. The following players each got one vote (though the last one was probably trying to bust some balls): Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu, Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson (see, I told you).
To figure out our second place vote, I used the same system Futbol de Primera uses to determine their winner - three points for a first-place vote, two for second and one for third.
Second place was Michael Bradley with 21 points. Third place was Oguchi Onyewu with 19 points followed by Carlos Bocanegra (11), Landon Donovan (9), Freddy Adu (8) and Clint Dempsey (5). Others receiving votes were Steve Cherundolo and (more gag votes probably) Danny Califf and Josh Wolff.
Thanks again for participating! The award will be handed out sometime next month and I'll be there for the festivities.
Learning Spanish: a three-month course
Grahame Jones of the LA Times was another English-speaking reporter out at Tuesday's presser. Jones talked about Eriksson's Spanish-speaking ability and started his story about a bit of a misunderstanding between Eriksson and a reporter, who asked Eriksson if he now eats chiles. As an aside, it's sort of a badge of honor for a foreigner to eat a heaping pile of jalapenos or drizzle of some spicy salsa over a plate of food.
It was a bit unfair, of course, since the opponent is Chile and he was asked several times about Chile earlier. I'm sure he picked up on the word "chile" and thought of the opponent so he began talking about the country.
Everyone laughed it off, of course. But that just shows that he's been accepted by the media and possibly the public at large.
After all, the man speaks Spanish. He knew no Spanish, had never even been to Mexico, before he was hired. But now he does all of his pressers in Spanish and has taken an interest in learning about the Mexican culture and history. He said he's visited the Museo Nacional de Antropología often and learned about the Mayans, for instance.
He's shown not only a desire to acclimate himself with the country beyond the sport and his job but a true interest in learning about his new country.
And while people may criticize his player choices, they can't say he has not done well to pick up on the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
It was a bit unfair, of course, since the opponent is Chile and he was asked several times about Chile earlier. I'm sure he picked up on the word "chile" and thought of the opponent so he began talking about the country.
Everyone laughed it off, of course. But that just shows that he's been accepted by the media and possibly the public at large.
After all, the man speaks Spanish. He knew no Spanish, had never even been to Mexico, before he was hired. But now he does all of his pressers in Spanish and has taken an interest in learning about the Mexican culture and history. He said he's visited the Museo Nacional de Antropología often and learned about the Mayans, for instance.
He's shown not only a desire to acclimate himself with the country beyond the sport and his job but a true interest in learning about his new country.
And while people may criticize his player choices, they can't say he has not done well to pick up on the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
In the honeymoon phase
Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune was one of four non-Spanish speaking reporters at the press conference on Tuesday. Zeigler wrote a feature for the UT on Eriksson and the current honeymoon phase the 60-year-old is enjoying with El Tri right now.
It's one that might be damaged tonight with a loss.
Of course, as Eriksson mentioned, the job is... well, if it's not easy, it's certainly less stressful. Things will change, for sure. He'll lose a game or tie an opponent many felt shouldn't have happened. Heck, he may come under fire for not winning with flair or by enough goals.
Whatever the case may be, Eriksson will encounter adversity - it's just a matter of time.
Still, as Zeigler mentions, all is well for Eriksson who said on Tuesday that he doesn't like Mexico, he loves it.
It's one that might be damaged tonight with a loss.
Of course, as Eriksson mentioned, the job is... well, if it's not easy, it's certainly less stressful. Things will change, for sure. He'll lose a game or tie an opponent many felt shouldn't have happened. Heck, he may come under fire for not winning with flair or by enough goals.
Whatever the case may be, Eriksson will encounter adversity - it's just a matter of time.
Still, as Zeigler mentions, all is well for Eriksson who said on Tuesday that he doesn't like Mexico, he loves it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Amistosos
Sven fields a question about playing friendlies in Europe.
His response? It's hard to gather a team in Europe for a midweek friendly. He said he wants to play more friendlies in Mexico. Not in Azteca but in Monterrey or Guadalajara and the like. He wants to play all qualifiers in Azteca.
His response? It's hard to gather a team in Europe for a midweek friendly. He said he wants to play more friendlies in Mexico. Not in Azteca but in Monterrey or Guadalajara and the like. He wants to play all qualifiers in Azteca.
Sven on the roster
I went to a hotel in downtown Los Angeles today for a press conference featuring Mexican national team coach Sven Goran Eriksson. He answered questions in English first but I didn't record those with my camera.
But I got a snippet of him, actually several snippets, answering questions in Spanish. Here's one he fielded about the strength of the roster and about some discussions that took place regarding players from clubs who were in action this week.
Basically, he said he could have brought in players from Santos or Cruz Azul or some of the six clubs that were playing Champions League/Copa Sudamericana but it sounds like there would have been some strings attached. So instead he opted for a group of players he could have ultimate freedom in selecting, in terms of both for the game itself and to start/use off the bench as he saw fit.
But I got a snippet of him, actually several snippets, answering questions in Spanish. Here's one he fielded about the strength of the roster and about some discussions that took place regarding players from clubs who were in action this week.
Basically, he said he could have brought in players from Santos or Cruz Azul or some of the six clubs that were playing Champions League/Copa Sudamericana but it sounds like there would have been some strings attached. So instead he opted for a group of players he could have ultimate freedom in selecting, in terms of both for the game itself and to start/use off the bench as he saw fit.
Pasadena Pete
I thought Pete Vagenas' goal against DC was really nice, just perfect redirection.
Here's what Pete had to say after the game about that goal, among other things. He definitely looks at the bright side of an injury.
Picture this
(I found a Memo pic, too!)I got a call from an editor yesterday regarding my Mexico column. They were trying to figure out which player was available for the match in order to run a picture with the story. It took a while but they found one.
At first, they asked about Giovani Dos Santos. No, I told them, he wasn't included. Then they asked if Carlos Vela was around. No again. I told them if they could find one of Guillermo Ochoa, that was their best bet. Ochoa played for the U-23s when they were here earlier this year so there may have been some shots of him from those games.
Not sure who else could have been there. Francisco Fonseca may have had some older shots floating around somewhere. Zinha has played in some games here but he's not exactly a prominent player.
I suppose that speaks to the level of this roster. It's many players who could add depth, few players who have played in qualifying this year. As one commenter noted on my post from yesterday, it's refreshing to see these kinds of players called up and given an opportunity to show what they can do. There isn't much to lose if the players don't do well and Mexico loses.
There is a lot to lose, though, if you drop 50 bucks on the game and watch some relative unknowns lay an egg against Chile. But I suppose that's on you, and if the youngsters do well and score a goal or three, perhaps then it will be worth it.
Who's your MVP?
I thought Guillermo Barros Schelotto was horribly overlooked for the All-Star Game.
Still, it seemed that GBS was going to get a nice consolation prize from many writers - the league MVP title. But Landon Donovan is making a play for consideration.
It's not coincidental, either. He's quite deliberate about it. He mentioned that the title was a goal of his before the year started.
Here's what LD had to say about chasing down GBS for the MVP.
"Is he the front-runner? I don’t know. You guys [reporters] determine that stuff. Whatever. I’m going to do my part. I want to make it clear that I can be the MVP. I have five more games to do that. Obviously, making the playoffs will help that a lot. I’m going to keep going. I know it’s other people’s decision. If I keep playing the way I’m doing, in my mind, I am."
What about our readers? Who would be your MVP pick and why?
Still, it seemed that GBS was going to get a nice consolation prize from many writers - the league MVP title. But Landon Donovan is making a play for consideration.
It's not coincidental, either. He's quite deliberate about it. He mentioned that the title was a goal of his before the year started.
Here's what LD had to say about chasing down GBS for the MVP.
"Is he the front-runner? I don’t know. You guys [reporters] determine that stuff. Whatever. I’m going to do my part. I want to make it clear that I can be the MVP. I have five more games to do that. Obviously, making the playoffs will help that a lot. I’m going to keep going. I know it’s other people’s decision. If I keep playing the way I’m doing, in my mind, I am."
What about our readers? Who would be your MVP pick and why?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)